Criss became known as “The Mosquito,” and it was not a phony alliterative or geographical title invented by a P.R. man. It was a high sign to Criss that even though there were guys on the playground nobody ever heard of, many of them could hold their own with the best in the NBA.
Tag Archives: 1980s NBA
Kevin McHale: Superstar in His Own Right, 1989
This is Kevin McHale, who will turn 31 years old early in the 1988-89 National Basketball Association season, talking about his future.
Kevin Stacom: An NBA Career in Five Newspaper Clips
He is the last of the true ones left, the only Celtic who knows the difference between Galway and Waterford, and who wouldn’t ask for a frosted mug for his Guinness.
Akeem Olajuwon: The 7-Foot Nigerian Who Jumped to the Pros, 1985
Olajuwon will now team up with 7-foot-4 Ralph Sampson to give the Rockets one of the most potentially awesome frontlines in the history of the game.
Why Larry Bird and Earvin Johnson Could Change the Face of Pro Basketball, 1980
It is a splendid irony that both Johnson and Larry Bird wore No. 33 in college—the precise number worn by Jabbar, one of the NBA’s brightest stars. Both the Lakers and Celtics have good reason to feel that these two newcomers will match Jabbar’s number in more ways than one.
Introducing Bill Walton, the 1980 Version
Ever since he signed with the San Diego Clippers last spring—on Mother’s Day—in a three-piece suit—he has been the object of squinting scrutiny.
Moses Matures, 1980
Today, the peach fuzz has given way to a full goatee and mustache. The body is filled out, and the 18-year-old kid is no longer a man-child. Today, he’s a 24-year-old man. He is mature, thoughtful, and at times witty.
Kiki Vandeweghe: More Than Just a Scoring Machine, 1986
Basketball remains the focus for Vandeweghe’s future. His new contract will carry him to age 34, and if he still wants to play at that time, the Blazers are sure to grant an extension.
The Amazing Marques Johnson, 1979
Johnson’s attitude hasn’t changed. He signs autographs endlessly. No matter how many people surround him, he is patient, always smiling, always chatting.
Marques Johnson: His Father the Influencer, 1977
Marques Johnson was not alone on that backyard court. Jeff Johnson was there, too, playing him one-on-one, challenging, teaching, and competing. Almost every day, for six or seven years.
From Way Downtown 